Practice Gratitude

When you feel pressure in a situation do you find it easier to focus on the bad things rather than the positive?

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When you feel pressure in a situation do you find it easier to focus on the bad things rather than the positive? Needless to say, the majority of people find it easier to see the bad in situations, but, with practice, you can train your brain to notice the good. Some improvements you will notice when you begin your journey of gratitude are an improvement in mood, energy, and overall well-being.

Practicing gratitude can boost your performance, lower your blood pressure, improve your quality of sleep, and decrease feelings of anxiety and depression. These qualities are essential to not only your health, but also your athletic performance. Practicing gratitude can build your optimism and increase your resilience, which is why it’s crucial to performing under pressure.

How to Practice Gratitude

Keep a gratitude journal: Carve out time at the beginning or end of your day for reflection. In this reflection, challenge yourself to write down three things in your life for which you are grateful. These things can be as small as a meal you had that day or as big as being grateful for good health. Introducing a gratitude journal into your routine will increase your mood and mindset.

Say thanks out loud: When someone helps you, acknowledge the effort they put in. Tell them you are thankful and describe why it was helpful. This will allow you to develop deeper connections with those who help you achieve your goals.

Find gratitude in your challenges: Even though it’s important to be thankful for positive experiences when practicing gratitude, it’s also important to remember challenges and focus on what you have to be thankful for within them. Dig deeper into your past experiences and figure out how you can be grateful to them for having shaped you into your present self.

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